Day 2-First Real Test

Riverside to Indio, Calif.
Miles: 85.5
Time: 5:35
Total ascent: 2741ft
Aver Speed: 15.3
Max Speed: 33.4
Est Calories: 5833

The day started cool and overcast, just as yesterday, but the sun came out early, and we gave up any shade for the drama of the desert well before 10AM. This was the first real day of riding: A bit longer than yesterday, 5+ mile climbs at 5-6 percent grades, 100 degree temperatures in the desert, a few crashes (no serious injuries), and serious winds (fortunately mostly at our backs). You knew that there was going to be the serious winds, not just because we were told, but because we saw the wind farms on both sides of the canyon. I've never "free wheeled" (no pedalling) for over ten miles before, and certainly not at 30+ miles an hour. I was breaking periodically just to keep control.

Bob Fuller and I came up on a couple of solo riders, some miles apart, late in the day, and we slowed a bit to give a pull and help them in. It wasn't a hero thing, but I just didn't think that they should be alone in this heat.

All told, I was pleased with my stamina today, and hope that I will be as fortunate the next two days (centuries both). But, the best part of the day was the rootbeer float 2 miles from the hotel. See ya................